Love is in the air for Valentine’s Day and Lake Tahoe is one of the most romantic spots on Earth. Gazing out onto a shimmering lake as the sunset casts a blush pink alpenglow on the mountains, it’s hard not to get that heart-swelling, lovey-dovey feeling. Allow us to set the mood with some of the most romantic experiences to celebrate love in Lake Tahoe.
Love the Environment: Travel Sustainably in Lake Tahoe
Ahead of your Lake Tahoe escape, take a moment to make sure you’re prepared to travel to this pristine region. Use our handy Know Before You Go guide to stay up to date on weather, transportation options, driving conditions and more. You can stay up to date with current, real-time weather conditions with the help of our live webcams. Above all, it is critical to ensure that the natural wonder of Lake Tahoe is protected by all travelers. Reduce your impact on the environment by utilizing public transportation options like TART, bringing your own reusable water bottles, and cleaning up after yourself, your travel partners or pets wherever you go. For more information about how to be a responsible traveler and make a clear difference for the future of Lake Tahoe, read more on our tips for sustainable travel.
For the Hungry Lovers: Valentine’s Day Couple’s Dinner in Lake Tahoe
They always said that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and that couldn’t be more true in Lake Tahoe! Not only is the region home to some of the most delicious delights you’ll ever have the pleasure of savoring, but a whole host of Lake Tahoe’s premier dining spots also feature some of the most romantic sights you could hope for. Pair a lakeside sunset at Jake’s on the Lake or Gar Woods Grill & Pier with your dinner — be sure to check out their exclusive Valentine’s Day specials — and you’re sure to fall in love with the view while you fall in love with each other.
For couples with a little bit of a sweet tooth, enjoy a s’more as you cuddle around the fire pits at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. The Hyatt has its own private beach accessible to hotel guests, complete with toasty fire pits and delicious s’mores to keep you nice and cozy. Making these sticky, ooey-gooey treats together is a fun way for a couple to spend their Valentine’s Day together. Topping it off with a rosy pink sunset on a private beach makes the scene all the more romantic.
If you’re in the mood for a classy dinner for a classy date, check out Christy Hill in Tahoe City. Just 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and featuring panoramic views, savor the splendor of the lake while you savor dishes prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. Christy Hill offers modern American cuisine with refined Mediterranean influences, making for the perfect way to treat yourself and your date. Once you’ve finished your meal, pop over to the nearby Boatworks Mall and end the night with a romantic wine tasting for two at the Tahoe Wine Collective.
For more ideas on where to dine for two this Valentine’s Day, check out our dining page for more options.
For the Outdoorsy Lovers: Snow Play
The advantage of spending your Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe is that you’re surrounded by beautiful snow, so you might as well take advantage of it.
Explore the winter splendor of Lake Tahoe with a cross-country ski date at Tahoe XC. Whether you’re Nordic pros, or you decide to try something new together, you can’t beat a day spent marveling at the beauty of Lake Tahoe in winter. And for couples who simply cannot do without their furry friends, Tahoe XC is also dog-friendly, so you can celebrate as a family!
Escape the crowds and soak in the serene Lake Tahoe views on a memorable, romantic lakeside snowshoeing excursion. Although you might not expect it, winter is one of the best times to explore the shores of Lake Tahoe. The snow settles atop the beach and the water is peaceful — it’s the perfect venue for an intimate, loving moment between you and your loved one. (Say, an incredibly scenic proposal.)
Of course, outdoor adventurers will find plenty to do at one of Lake Tahoe’s 11 ski resorts, where skiing, snowboarding and great après all make for a fantastic date.
For the Music Lovers: Concerts at Crystal Bay Club & Casino
Looking for a night in where you can find excitement while staying warm? Then a night full of live entertainment and gaming at the Crystal Bay Club & Casino might be the perfect fit.
Catch a show together at the Crystal Bay Club & Casino, featuring great live acts ranging from rock to folk to techno. Or try your luck on the casino floor — who knows? Having your partner by your side might just be the good luck charm you need to win big. And when you’re done, check out Crystal Bay Casino’s Steak & Lobster House for a delicious dinner in an intimate setting. There’s no wrong way to treat your sweetheart at Crystal Bay, making this date idea a total gem.
For Luxurious Lovers: Couples’ Massages to Relax and Fall in Love
If you and your significant other decide that the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by pampering each other, treat yourself with a Lake Tahoe spa day. Several of the North Shore’s most luxurious spas feature options for couples, so you both can relax and unwind in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Total serenity can be found at Sage, a combination spa, apothecary and shop offering a wide range of services and wares. Sink into the bliss of a massage followed by their signature energy therapy, which promises to restore balance and take you to a place of unparalleled relaxation. Afterward, their friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect bundle of herbs or chakra-balancing trinket to ensure that your good vibes last the whole trip.
Couples can also head to the spa at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe to experience the luxurious spa treatment of a lifetime. Enjoy the experience of shared relaxation and well-being with your loved one, complete with a side-by-side massage of your choosing. Feel your cares melt away, while still spending quality time with your valentine.
For the Cutesy Lovers: Ice Skating in the Mountains
When it comes to date ideas, sometimes you can’t beat the old favorites. Ice skating together is one of the most popular date ideas, yet you haven’t really experienced how romantic this simple activity can be until you’ve laced up together in Lake Tahoe.
Among the mountains and the fresh alpine air, the Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink is the perfect setting for your Valentine’s Day date, especially at the end of the night when the lights of the rink shimmer and shine. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or two by the heated outdoor fire pits surrounding the rink, or take a few laps to burn off any left-over energy or just to spend more quality time with each other. And if neither of you are pro ice skaters, it’s the fun of slipping and catching each other that makes this classic date so essential.
Stay Beyond Valentine’s Day in Lake Tahoe
For more date ideas, check out our full list of ways to play in Lake Tahoe, and plan a date of your own creation. There’s simply too much to do to pack it all into one day, so be sure to take a look at our lodging page and book your extended stay, so you can experience all of what Lake Tahoe has to offer.
